BCC Finishes Second In RecycleMania Competition

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College finished second out of 24 colleges in Massachusetts in its competition in the RecycleMania contest. Nationwide, BCC was ranked 17 out of a final listing of 266 colleges.

This is the fifth year BCC has participated in the competition amongst hundreds of colleges and universities across the country. Last year, the college was ranked third out of 26 colleges in Massachusetts and 26 out of 288 colleges nationally.

Chris Laney, professor of history, was the co-leader of BCC’s RecycleMania efforts for the fifth straight year.

“Awareness about recycling and waste reduction is growing every year," he said. "Just when we think we've run out of ideas, a student, community member, or staff member comes up with a great idea to help us improve. It's a lot of fun seeing so many people get excited about this."

BCC’s Green Team also provides blog posts on green issues at the BCC Green Team website to educate students, staff and the community on ways they too can reduce their carbon footprint.

The contest, which ran through February and March, encouraged the BCC community to use the proper recycle bins on campus for paper, cans and bottles. The contest also measured how much waste is reduced by finding ways to reduce paper such as forms and handouts.

For more information visit the RecycleMania website.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Taconic High Names Top Students of the Class of 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School Principal Matthew Bishop has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2026. 
 
They will speak during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 4 p.m at Tanglewood in Lenox. 
 
Gavin O'Donnell, son of Kevin and Colleen O'Donnell of Pittsfield, has been named valedictorian with a grade average of 103. Hunter Bentz, son of Heidi Bentz of Pittsfield, has been named salutatorian with a grade average of 102.4.
 
Throughout his high school career, O'Donnell has exemplified the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence that define the Taconic community. He achieved high honors all four years and made significant contributions to both the school and the wider community. He was an active member of the Link Crew, Green and Gold, and Class Council, just to name a few of his activities. 
 
A dedicated athlete, O'Donnell played soccer and baseball all four years and was named captain of the varsity soccer and baseball teams both junior and senior years. His commitment to service extended beyond athletics, as he volunteered with Unified Games and was a math tutor at Taconic. He has also been an active part of Pittsfield Soccer Club, where he has helped
referee youth soccer games and assisted in getting the fields ready for game days.
 
He has earned several awards, including being a member of the National Honor Society,  the John and Abigail Adams Award, and being an AP Scholar and an AP Capstone Graduate. 
 
O'Donnell plans to pursue a degree in finance at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he will continue to play baseball and hopes to excel as a student. 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories